History had never witnessed such grandeur and magnificence in a funeral procession. The people of Iraq wholeheartedly paid tribute to the martyred Leader, who had long cherished the dream of visiting Karbala and Najaf. Iraqi people and their families had so deeply wished to meet him during his lifetime and honor him in person.

Hospitality is deeply rooted in Arab tradition, as is the love of welcoming the pilgrims of Imam Hussein. Now it is our turn—our turn to express gratitude and appreciation for that magnificent funeral procession and the unparalleled hospitality shown by the people of Iraq.

The Shrine Servants Awaiting Their Guests Amid the Fragrance of Espand

It is past 9 p.m. In front of Sheikh Tousi Gate of the holy Razavi Shrine, the servants stand in their simple service uniforms, holding burning espand. Its fragrance rises into the air, and I take in the scent of this courtesy, respect, and hospitality—values deeply rooted in our heritage.

Arab men, elderly gentlemen, tribal elders and Iraqi sheikhs are dressed in dishdashas, with Arab cloaks over their shoulders and keffiyehs secured with agals on their heads.

Hand in hand, they move one by one toward the luminous shrine. One of them walks ahead, reciting poetry in Arabic for the pilgrims and expressing appreciation for their presence.

Tears fill the eyes of the Arab men as they walk forward, standing tall and resolute. We approach the Sheikh Tousi entrance. Everyone recites the permission-to-enter prayer together. Their strong shoulders tremble, one after another.

“Labbaik Ya Khamenei”: Iraqi Tribal Sheikhs Raise Their Voices in Unison in the Razavi Sanctuary

We accompany them into the Jomhouri Courtyard. The Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi and the senior director of the holy shrine come forward to welcome them.

As soon as one of the Arab men sees the Custodian, he raises his voice, speaking in Persian with an Arabic accent, his voice choked with emotion: “Labbaik Ya Khamenei, Labbaik Ya Hussein!”

One by one, the other Arab men join him, their voices rising together:

“Labbaik Ya Qaed! Death to America! Death to Israel! Death to America! Death to Israel! Labbaik Ya Khamenei!”

Another man among the tribal sheikhs begins chanting:

“Ab al-Fazl, standard-bearer! May Khamenei be protected! Ab al-Fazl, standard-bearer! May Khamenei be protected!”

They enter the shrine in a magnificent display of devotion. Approaching the Holy Shrine, they stop, shed tears, and give thanks to God.

What courtesy and respect you show, dear Arab brothers! What a magnificent tribute the Leader of the Revolution has arranged for his guests! Welcome to the safe haven of the Razavi sanctuary.